- Couples are the most satisfied in five years
- 27% decrease of individuals since 2006 who are dissatisfied with their partner
- Increase in satisfaction despite divorce rate increase
People are more satisfied by their current partner or spouse than they have been in five years, according to recent Office on National Statistics data (ONS). The most recent data illustrates a gradual incline in overall relationship satisfaction; suggesting people are significantly happier with their partners now than during 2006. The statistics show a 27 per cent decrease in 2009 from the data recorded in 2006 of individuals saying they are dissatisfied with their companion.
The study, that covers 2009 as part of the latest British Household Panel Survey, records responses to the question: 'how dissatisfied or satisfied are you with your husband/wife/partner', providing options from completely satisfied to very dissatisfied. The statistics outlined that the percentage of satisfied partners increased by 2.4 per cent in 2009 to 92.3 per cent from 89.9 per cent in 2006.
Not only were couples more satisfied overall, there was also an increase in those answering 'completely satisfied', with the 2009 data reaching a peak of 54.7 per cent – the highest recording since 2002.
These figures are surprising considering that following several years of decline, divorce rates in England and Wales in 2010 have increased by 5 per cent. Despite this, it appears that marriage is still an attractive concept, with ONS figures for 2010 showing an overall increase of 3.7 per cent to 241,100. This shows that whilst divorce figures are on the increase, there are still many couples that continue to lead agreeable relationships.
David Thompson, partner at Charles Russell, commented: "Despite the rise in divorce statistics, the increase in marriages taking place in 2010 indicate that there are still many couples that are very much happily married – and the ONS figures support this."
"At Charles Russell we've observed an increase in the amount of couples that want to divorce, yet choose to hold off until they have the financial means to progress it. Often this is until they get a significant sum of money in a lump sum or through a work bonus."
"This is an example of the financial crisis is keeping people together, in rare instances we see it enables the couple to resolve their issues and to work things out."
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